Legalization of documents; certification of documents by an Apostille

Legalization vs. Apostille: What’s the Difference and When Are They Needed?

It is required that documents issued by institutions of foreign states or their copies should be legalized or certified by an Apostille prior to their submission to state institutions of Lithuania.

Step-by-Step Guide to Legalizing Documents for Use in Lithuania

The procedure of legalization is more complicated. A document issued by an institution of a foreign state should be legalized in the foreign state and then in Lithuania. The process of certification of a document by an Apostille is simpler and shorter; however, certification of a document by an Apostille is not available in all states.

Hague Convention States: Apostille Certification Made Easy

Certification of documents by an Apostille is possible in the states having joined to the 1961 Hague Convention abolishing the requirement of legalization for documents issued in foreign states. The states where legalization of documents has been abolished and certification of documents by an Apostille is applied are listed below: 

• Albania;
• Andorra;
• Antigua and Barbuda;
• Argentina;
• Armenia;
• Australia;
• Austria;
• Azerbaijan;
• Bahamas;
• Bahrain;
• Barbados;
• Belarus;
• Belgium;
• Belize;
• Bolivia;
• Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Botswana;
• Brazil;
• Brunei;
• Bulgaria;
• Burundi;
• Chile;
• Denmark;
• Dominica;
• Dominican Republic;
• Ecuador;
• Estonia;
• Eswatini;
• Fiji;
• Philippines;
• Finland;
• France;
• Georgia;
• Germany;
• Greece;
• Grenada;
• Guatemala;
• Honduras;
• Hungary;
• Iceland;
• India;
• Ireland;
• Israel;
• Italy;
• Japan;
• Kazakhstan;
• Republic of Korea;
• Kyrgyzstan;
• Latvia;
• Lesotho;
• Liberia;
• Liechtenstein;
• Lithuania;
• Luxembourg;
• Malta;
• Marshall Islands;
• Mauritius;
• Mexico;
• Moldova;
• Monaco;
• Montenegro;
• Namibia;
• Netherlands;
• New Zealand;
• Nicaragua;
• Norway;
• Oman;
• Panama;
• Paraguay;
• Peru;
• Poland;
• Portugal;
• Romania;
• Russia;
• St. Kitts and Nevis;
• St. Lucia;
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
• San Marino;
• Serbia;
• Seychelles;
• Singapore;
• Slovakia;
• Slovenia;
• South Africa;
• Spain;
• Sri Lanka;
• Suriname;
• North Macedonia;
• Sweden;
• Switzerland;
• Tajikistan;
• Thailand;
• Trinidad and Tobago;
• Tunisia;
• Turkey;
• Ukraine;
• United Kingdom;
• United States;
• Uruguay;
• Uzbekistan;
• Vanuatu;
• Venezuela;
• Zambia.

Do You Need an Apostille? Legalization Rules for Non-Hague Countries

In countries that are not included in the list of countries of the Hague Convention, documents issued by foreign institutions should be legalized.

Document Submission in Lithuania: When Legalization or Apostille is Not Required

In Lithuania, legalization or certification by Apostille is not required for documents issued in Moldova, Estonia and Latvia. 

Vienna Convention: Simplified Rules for Civil Status Records in Lithuania

If a foreign state has joined to the 08 September 1976 Vienna Convention on Multilingual Extracts from Civil Status Records, any extracts from civil status records (such a records on birth, marriage, death etc.) in the form approved by the said Convention issued by a competent institution of such a state shall be accepted in Lithuania without legalization or certification by an Apostille

The states having joined to the Convention include:

• Austria;
• Belgium;
• Bosnia and Herzegovina;
• Bulgaria;
• Estonia;
• Greece (not ratified);
• Spain;
• Italy;
• Montenegro;
• Croatia;
• Poland;
• Lithuania;
• Luxembourg;
• Macedonia;
• Moldova;
• Netherlands;
• Portugal;
• France;
• Romania;
• Serbia;
• Slovenia;
• Switzerland;
• Turkey;
• Germany.

Current Updates on Document Certification in Lithuania

Changes in Legalization and Apostille Requirements

As of January 2025, Lithuania has introduced stricter regulations for accepting foreign documents. Documents issued by institutions of certain states now require mandatory Apostille certification to be legally valid in Lithuania. This adjustment aims to enhance document authenticity and streamline international processes.

Exceptions to Apostille Requirements

While Apostille is essential for most international documents, exceptions remain for countries with bilateral agreements or conventions, such as the Vienna Convention on Multilingual Extracts from Civil Status Records. These agreements simplify document recognition and eliminate the need for further certification.

Commonly Certified Documents in Lithuania

Foreign individuals and businesses commonly need Apostille certification or legalization for:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates

• Educational diplomas and qualifications

• Legal contracts and notarized statements

• Court decisions and other judicial documents

How to Ensure Compliance with Lithuanian Requirements

To avoid delays, ensure that:

1. Your documents are certified in compliance with the Hague Apostille Convention or legalized if your country is not a member.

2. Accurate translations into Lithuanian are prepared and certified by a professional translator or notary in Lithuania.

Additional Resources

For further guidance on document legalization and Apostille certification, visit:

• Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Official Website

• Hague Apostille Convention: Hague Apostille Convention

By adhering to these updated practices, individuals and businesses can ensure smooth processing of their documentation in Lithuania.

Assistance with Apostille and Legalization Services in Lithuania

The MIGRATION LAW CENTER provides expert legal assistance in obtaining Apostille certification for documents issued in Lithuania. Also offers support throughout the legalization process for documents intended for non-Hague Convention countries. MIGRATION LAW CENTER team ensures that all legal requirements are met efficiently and effectively.

For inquiries or assistance, contact the MIGRATION LAW CENTER via email or phone:

• Email: info@migration.lt 

• Phone: +370 68563053